User equipment carrier activation

ABSTRACT

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method includes: measuring at least one characteristic of a secondary component carrier to obtain a measurement result, where measuring is performed by an apparatus while the apparatus is in communication with a network via a primary component carrier with a network access node; and in response to the measurement result of the at least one characteristic being below a threshold, and further in response to receiving from the network access node an activation command for the secondary component carrier, considering the secondary component carrier as being undetectable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 13/642,395 filed Feb. 4, 2013, which is a National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/FI2011/050319 filed Apr. 13, 2011,which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/329,685filed Apr. 30, 2010, the contents of which applications are incorporatedby reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of this invention relategenerally to wireless communication systems, apparatus, methods, devicesand computer programs and, more specifically, relate to user equipmentoperation with carrier aggregation and to techniques for activating anddeactivating component carriers.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to provide a background or context to theinvention that is recited in the claims. The description herein mayinclude concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily onesthat have been previously conceived, implemented or described.Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in thissection is not prior art to the description and claims in thisapplication and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in thissection.

The following abbreviations that may be found in the specificationand/or the drawing figures are defined as follows:

-   3GPP third generation partnership project-   BS base station-   BW bandwidth-   CA carrier aggregation-   CC component carrier-   CQI channel quality indicator-   DL downlink (Node B/eNB towards UE)-   eNB E-UTRAN Node B (evolved Node B)-   EPC evolved packet core-   Ês received energy per resource element (power normalized to the    subcarrier spacing) during the useful part of the symbol, i.e.,    excluding the cyclic prefix, at the UE antenna connector-   E-UTRAN evolved UTRAN (LTE)-   FDMA frequency division multiple access-   HSPA high speed packet access-   IMTA international mobile telecommunications association-   IoT received power spectral density of the total noise and    interference for a certain resource element (power integrated over    the resource element and normalized to the subcarrier spacing) as    measured at the UE antenna connector-   ITU-R international telecommunication union-radiocommunication    sector-   LTE long term evolution of UTRAN (E-UTRAN)-   LTE-A LTE advanced-   MAC medium access control (layer 2, L2)-   MM/MME mobility management/mobility management entity-   Node B base station-   OFDMA orthogonal frequency division multiple access-   O&M operations and maintenance-   PCC primary component carrier-   PDCP packet data convergence protocol-   PDCCH physical downlink control channel-   PDSCH physical downlink shared channel-   PHY physical (layer 1, L1)-   Rel release-   RLC radio link control-   RLF radio link failure-   RRC radio resource control-   RRH remote radio head-   RRM radio resource management-   RSRP reference signal received power-   RSRQ reference signal received quality-   RSSI received signal strength indicator-   SC-FDMA single carrier, frequency division multiple access-   SCC secondary component carrier-   SGW serving gateway-   UE user equipment, such as a mobile station, mobile node or mobile    terminal-   UL uplink (UE towards Node B/eNB)-   UTRAN universal terrestrial radio access network

One modern communication system is known as evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN, alsoreferred to as UTRAN-LTE or as E-UTRA). In this system the DL accesstechnique is OFDMA, and the UL access technique is SC-FDMA.

One specification of interest is 3GPP TS 36.300, V8.11.0 (2009-12), “3rdGeneration Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group RadioAccess Network; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) andEvolved Universal Terrestrial Access Network (EUTRAN); Overalldescription; Stage 2 (Release 8).” This system may be referred to forconvenience as LTE Rel-8. In general, the set of specifications givengenerally as 3GPP TS 36.xyz (e.g., 36.211, 36.311, 36.312, etc.) may beseen as describing the Release 8 LTE system. More recently, Release 9versions of at least some of these specifications have been publishedincluding 3GPP TS 36.300, V9.1.0 (2009-9).

FIG. 1A reproduces FIG. 4.1 of 3GPP TS 36.300 V8.11.0, and shows theoverall architecture of the EUTRAN system (Rel-8). The E-UTRAN systemincludes eNBs, providing the E-UTRAN user plane (PDCP/RLC/MAC/PHY) andcontrol plane (RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE (not shown).The eNBs are interconnected with each other by means of an X2 interface.The eNBs are also connected by means of an S1 interface to an EPC, morespecifically to a MME by means of a S1 MME interface and to an S-GW bymeans of a S1 interface (MME/S-GW 4). The S1 interface supports amany-to-many relationship between MMEs/S-GWs and eNBs.

The eNB hosts the following functions:

-   functions for RRM: RRC, Radio Admission Control, Connection Mobility    Control, Dynamic allocation of resources to UEs in both UL and DL    (scheduling);-   IP header compression and encryption of the user data stream;-   selection of a MME at UE attachment;-   routing of User Plane data towards the EPC (MME/S-GW);-   scheduling and transmission of paging messages (originated from the    MME);-   scheduling and transmission of broadcast information (originated    from the MME or O&M); and-   a measurement and measurement reporting configuration for mobility    and scheduling.

Of particular interest herein are the further releases of 3GPP LTE(e.g., LTE Rel-10) targeted towards future IMTA systems, referred toherein for convenience simply as LTE-Advanced (LTE-A). Reference in thisregard may be made to 3GPP TR 36.913, V9.0.0 (2009-12), 3rd GenerationPartnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network;Requirements for Further Advancements for E-UTRA (LTE-Advanced) (Release9). Reference can also be made to 3GPP TR 36.912 V9.2.0 (2010-03)Technical Report 3rd Generation Partnership Project; TechnicalSpecification Group Radio Access Network; Feasibility study for FurtherAdvancements for E-UTRA (LTE-Advanced) (Release 9).

A goal of LTE-A is to provide significantly enhanced services by meansof higher data rates and lower latency with reduced cost. LTE-A isdirected toward extending and optimizing the 3GPP LTE Rel-8 radio accesstechnologies to provide higher data rates at lower cost. LTE-A will be amore optimized radio system fulfilling the ITU-R requirements forIMT-Advanced while keeping the backward compatibility with LTE Rel-8.

As specified in 3GPP TR 36.913, LTE-A should operate in spectrumallocations of different sizes, including wider spectrum allocationsthan those of LTE Rel-8 (e.g., up to 100 MHz) to achieve the peak datarate of 100 Mbit/s for high mobility and 1 Gbit/s for low mobility. Ithas been agreed that carrier aggregation (CA) is to be considered forLTE-A in order to support bandwidths larger than 20 MHz. Carrieraggregation, where two or more component carriers (CCs) are aggregated,is considered for LTE-A in order to support transmission bandwidthslarger than 20 MHz. The carrier aggregation could be contiguous ornon-contiguous. This technique, as a bandwidth extension, can providesignificant gains in terms of peak data rate and cell throughput ascompared to non-aggregated operation as in LTE Rel-8.

A terminal may simultaneously receive one or multiple component carriersdepending on its capabilities. A LTE-A terminal with receptioncapability beyond 20 MHz can simultaneously receive transmissions onmultiple component carriers. An LTE Rel-8 terminal can receivetransmissions on a single component carrier only, provided that thestructure of the component carrier follows the Rel-8 specifications.Moreover, it is required that LTE-A should be backwards compatible withRel-8 LTE in the sense that a Rel-8 LTE terminal should be operable inthe LTE-A system, and that a LTE-A terminal should be operable in aRel-8 LTE system.

FIG. 1B shows an example of the carrier aggregation, where M Rel-8component carriers are combined together to form a total MHRel-8 BW(e.g. 5 H 20 MHz=100 MHz given M=5). Rel-8 terminals receive/transmit onone component carrier, whereas LTE-A terminals may receive/transmit onmultiple component carriers simultaneously to achieve higher (wider)bandwidths.

In CA multiple cells (or UL/DL CCs) can be aggregated for multi-carriertransmission/reception. It has been agreed that the configuration of theDL/UL CC for CA is to be performed using RRC signaling between the eNBand the UE. One UL and DL CC are configured for a primary CC (PCC),while other CCs are referred to as secondary CCs (SCC).

It has also been agreed that in order to enable UE battery savings aseparate MAC level activation/deactivation mechanism is to be introducedfor the DL SCC and also potentially for the UL SCC. However, accordingto the current agreement there is no need to have a separate activationmechanism for the UL SCC.

SUMMARY

The below summary section is intended to be merely exemplary andnon-limiting.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method comprising:measuring at least one characteristic of a secondary component carrierto obtain a measurement result, where measuring is performed by anapparatus while the apparatus is in communication with a network via aprimary component carrier with a network access node; and in response tothe measurement result of the at least one characteristic being below athreshold, and further in response to receiving from the network accessnode an activation command for the secondary component carrier,considering the secondary component carrier as being undetectable.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatuscomprising: means for measuring at least one characteristic of asecondary component carrier to obtain a measurement result, wheremeasuring is performed by an apparatus while the apparatus is incommunication with a network via a primary component carrier with anetwork access node; and means for, in response to the measurementresult of the at least one characteristic being below a threshold, andfurther in response to receiving from the network access node anactivation command for the secondary component carrier, considering thesecondary component carrier as being undetectable.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatuscomprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory includingcomputer program code, the at least one memory and the computer programcode being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to perform: measuring at least one characteristic ofa secondary component carrier to obtain a measurement result, wheremeasuring is performed by an apparatus while the apparatus is incommunication with a network via a primary component carrier with anetwork access node; and in response to the measurement result of the atleast one characteristic being below a threshold, and further inresponse to receiving from the network access node an activation commandfor the secondary component carrier, considering the secondary componentcarrier as being undetectable.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method comprising:measuring at least one characteristic of a secondary component carrierto obtain a measurement result, where measuring is performed by anapparatus while the apparatus is in communication with a network via aprimary component carrier; and in response to the measurement result ofthe at least one characteristic being below a threshold, triggering atleast one of an implicit de-activation of the secondary componentcarrier and reduced monitoring and measurement requirements for thesecondary component carrier.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatuscomprising: means for measuring at least one characteristic of asecondary component carrier to obtain a measurement result, wheremeasuring is performed by the apparatus while the apparatus is incommunication with a network via a primary component carrier; and meansfor, in response to the measurement result of the at least onecharacteristic being below a threshold, triggering at least one of animplicit de-activation of the secondary component carrier and reducedmonitoring and measurement requirements for the secondary componentcarrier.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatuscomprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory includingcomputer program code, the at least one memory and the computer programcode being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to perform: measuring at least one characteristic ofa secondary component carrier to obtain a measurement result, wheremeasuring is performed by an apparatus while the apparatus is incommunication with a network via a primary component carrier; and inresponse to the measurement result of the at least one characteristicbeing below a threshold, triggering at least one of an implicitde-activation of the secondary component carrier and reduced monitoringand measurement requirements for the secondary component carrier.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method comprising:detecting an occurrence of a particular type of measurement event for asecondary component carrier that is used for communication with a secondnetwork access node, where detecting is performed by an apparatus whilethe apparatus is in communication with a first network access node via aprimary component carrier; in response to detection of the particulartype of measurement event, generating a measurement report for thesecondary component carrier; and in response to detection of theparticular type of measurement event, generating a measurement reportfor the secondary component carrier; and

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatuscomprising: means for detecting an occurrence of a particular type ofmeasurement event for a secondary component carrier that is used forcommunication with a second network access node, where detecting isperformed by an apparatus while the apparatus is in communication with afirst network access node via a primary component carrier; means for, inresponse to detection of the particular type of measurement event,generating a measurement report for the secondary component carrier; andmeans for sending the measurement report from the apparatus to the firstnetwork access node.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatuscomprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory includingcomputer program code, the at least one memory and the computer programcode being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to perform: detecting an occurrence of a particulartype of measurement event for a secondary component carrier that is usedfor communication with a second network access node, where detecting isperformed by an apparatus while the apparatus is in communication with afirst network access node via a primary component carrier; in responseto detection of the particular type of measurement event, generating ameasurement report for the secondary component carrier; and sending themeasurement report from the apparatus to the first network access node.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of exemplary embodiments of thisinvention are made more evident in the following Detailed Description,when read in conjunction with the attached Drawing Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A reproduces FIG. 4.1 of 3GPP TS 36.300, and shows the overallarchitecture of the EUTRAN system.

FIG. 1B shows an example of carrier aggregation as proposed for theLTE-A system.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of various electronic devicesthat are suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments ofthis invention.

FIG. 3 shows several exemplary scenarios involving a UE moving withinthe cell area of an eNB containing a cell A., and also a RRH cell B witha different frequency and coverage area under the control of the sameeNB.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are each a logic flow diagram that illustrates theoperation of an exemplary method, and/or a result of execution ofcomputer program instructions embodied on a computer readable memory, inaccordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 each depict a flowchart illustrating one non-limitingexample of a method, and/or a result of execution of computer programinstructions embodied on a computer readable memory, for practicing theexemplary embodiments of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It can be expected in LTE-A that the UE power consumption will dependheavily on the number of activated component carriers, and from a powerefficiency point of view it is desirable to operate on as few componentcarriers as possible, while still maintaining the required quality ofservice. In an ideal network, the activation and deactivation of CCswould happen on a need basis according to traffic conditions and qualityof service requirements, and ensure that UEs are transferred to theirmost efficient mode as soon as their traffic pattern and servicerequirements allow for this.

It was noted above that in accordance with current proposals there is noneed to have a separate activation mechanism for the UL SCC. However,this can result in problems on the UE side. There are proposals forapplying a ‘linked UL activation’, i.e., the UL SCC is activated whenits linked DL SCC is activated. In this case, then, the UL SCC cannot beactivated without activation of the paired/linked DL SCC. Reference inthis regard can be made to 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #69bis, R2-102099,Beijing, China, 12-16 Apr. 2010, Source: Nokia Corporation, NokiaSiemens Networks, Title: Discussion on UL CC activation anddeactivation.

The specific details of the configuration of the CC and UE requirementsfor configured (but de-activated) or configured (and active) DL SCC arecurrently open. However, some agreements are been made in this regard.For example, reference can be made to TSG RAN meeting #47, RP-100056,Vienna, Austria, 16-19 Mar., 2010, Status Report to TSG; TSG RAN meeting#47, RP-100057, Vienna, Austria, 16-19 Mar., 2010, Status Report to TSG;and 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #69, R2-101846, San Francisco, U.S.A.,22-26 Feb. 2010, CR-Form-v9.6 CHANGE REQUEST 36.300 CR 0190.

With regard to the measurement configuration: measurements on activatedCCs can be performed without measurement gaps. While all Rel-8/9measurement events are applicable for a UE configured with CA, study isneeded for how they are generalized for use with CA. For example,measurement events A1 and A2 are extended to SCCs, where a “servingcell” for these events is the cell corresponding to the configured CCcell (i.e., the network may configure separate events A1 and A2 for eachcell corresponding to a configured CC). There is only one “serving cell”per measurement identifier (id), unless a clear need for multipleserving cells is subsequently identified.

General reference with respect to Rel-8/9 measurement events A1 and A2(and A4, referred to below) can be made to 3GPP TS 36.331 V9.1.0(2009-12) Technical Specification 3rd Generation Partnership Project;Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; Evolved UniversalTerrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Radio Resource Control (RRC); Protocolspecification (Release 9), sections 5.5.4 “Measurement ReportTriggering” and 5.5.5 “Measurement Reporting”. Particular attention canbe paid to sub-sections 5.5.4.2 “Event A1 (Serving becomes better thanthreshold); 5.5.4.3 “Event A2 (Serving becomes worse that threshold”;and 5.5.4.5 “Event A4 (Neighbour becomes better than threshold)”.Further reference may be made to sections 5 and/or 5.4 in general.

With regard to activation/deactivation: explicit activation ofconfigured DL component carriers by MAC is agreed; explicit deactivationof configured DL CCs by MAC is agreed; implicit deactivation of DL CCsis agreed (details of which are currently under discussion); when a CCis configured it starts in a “deactivated” state; DL component carriersare activated and deactivated individually, where a singleactivation/deactivation command can activate/deactivate a subset of theconfigured DL CCs; when a downlink SCC is not active, the UE does notneed to receive the corresponding PDCCH or PDSCH, nor is it required toperform CQI measurements; conversely, when a downlink SCC is active, theUE shall receive PDSCH and PDCCH (if present), and is expected to beable to perform CQI measurements.

Finally, with regard to DL RLF on SCCs, there is currently nore-establishment procedure specified for SCCs.

Moreover, current agreements allow preloading of a configured CC, i.e.,component carriers can be configured DL SCC for CA even though the UE isnot necessarily able to detect a cell.

An aspect of the exemplary embodiments of this invention provides atechnique for how this configuration and activation can be accomplishedby the eNB, and how the UE responds when the eNB activates acell/frequency that the UE cannot “detect”.

A MAC level activation/de-activation mechanism was introduced for LTE CAto enable improved UE battery life. As a result, the UE measurementsshould be done accordingly. Currently it has been agreed that the UEdoes not need to perform CQI measurements on a de-activated DL SCC.

Referring to FIG. 3, consider the following scenario (i.e., a simplifiedversion of scenario 4 in the above-noted R2-101846) where the UE ismoving within the cell area of an eNB containing cell A. There is also aRRH cell B with a different frequency and coverage area under thecontrol of the same eNB. In this exemplary scenario, the UE travelstowards the cell B.

The exemplary embodiments of this invention consider at least thefollowing cases.

Case 1: How should the UE behave (and what are the requirements) when itis configured with Cell A (PCC) and Cell B (SCC), where the DL SCC,which cannot be detected, is activated?

Case 2: How should the UE behave when Cell B can be detected (if thiscell has been activated)?

A third case in FIG. 3 can be considered, e.g., how should the UE behavewhen it goes out of the coverage area and measurement event A2 istriggered, where the UE detects the RLF on the DL SCC (and UL SSC)?

These types of problems have not arisen in LTE Rel-8 and Rel-9 since theUE has only one serving cell configured.

For the third case above, the handling of the RLF, reference can be madeto 3GPP TSG-RAN2#69bis, R2-102488, 15-19 Feb., 2010, Beijing, China,Source: E-mail rapporteur (NTT DOCOMO, INC.), Title: CA UL/DL CCfailures. If there is an implicit de-activation mechanism in Case 1(which may not be desirable) the eNB would need to re-activate the CellB (in response to receiving the measurement report) after Case 2, asshown in FIG. 3.

At present, it has been determined to provide an implicit de-activationmechanism. However, this is mainly done to handle Case 3. Reference inthis regard can be made to 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #69 R2-101077, SanFrancisco, U.S.A., 22-26 Feb. 2010, Source: Nokia Siemens Networks,Nokia Corporation, Title: On the possibility for implicit release ofactivated secondary component carriers. A timer-based de-activationmechanism is introduced in R2-101077. This approach could be broadenedto cover the case that the UE cannot find the cell.

Other possibly relevant contributions related at least partially toimplicit de-activation can be found in 3GPP TSG RAN WG2 Meeting #69bis,R2-102064, Beijing, China, Apr. 12-16, 2009, Source: CATT, Title:Implicit CC Deactivation; 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #69bis, R2-102161,Beijing, China, Apr. 12-16, 2010, Source: Fujitsu, Title: On implicit CCdeactivation; and 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #69bis, R2-102520, 12-16 Apr.2010 in Beijing, China, Source: Panasonic, Title: MAC Control Elementfor Component Carrier Management.

Before describing in further detail the exemplary embodiments of thisinvention, reference is made to FIG. 2 for illustrating a simplifiedblock diagram of various electronic devices and apparatus that aresuitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of thisinvention. In FIG. 2 a wireless network 1 is adapted for communicationover a wireless link 11 with an apparatus, such as a mobilecommunication device which may be referred to as a UE 10, via a networkaccess node, such as a Node B (base station), and more specifically aneNB 12. The network 1 may include a network control element (NCE) 14that may include the MME/SGW functionality shown in FIG. 1A, and whichprovides connectivity with a further network, such as a telephonenetwork and/or a data communications network (e.g., the internet). TheUE 10 includes a controller, such as at least one computer, processor ordata processor (DP) 10A, at least one non-transitory computer-readablememory medium embodied as a memory (MEM) 10B that stores a program ofcomputer instructions (PROG) 10C, and at least one suitable radiofrequency (RF) transceiver 10D (e.g., having a transmitter and/or areceiver) for bidirectional wireless communications with the eNB 12 viaone or more antennas. The eNB 12 also includes a controller, such as atleast one computer or a data processor (DP) 12A, at least onecomputer-readable memory medium embodied as a memory (MEM) 12B thatstores a program of computer instructions (PROG) 12C, and at least onesuitable RF transceiver 12D for communication with the UE 10 via one ormore antennas (typically several when multiple input/multiple output(MIMO) operation is in use). The eNB 12 is coupled via a data/controlpath 13 to the NCE 14. The path 13 may be implemented as the S1interface shown in FIG. 1A. The eNB 12 may also be coupled to anothereNB via data/control path 15, which may be implemented as the X2interface shown in FIG. 1A.

For the purposes of describing the exemplary embodiments of thisinvention the UE 10 can be assumed to be capable of operation with CA,and to also include a received signal measurementfunction/module/apparatus (MEASUREMENT) 10E operable with thetransceiver 10D. The eNB 12 can be assumed to also be capable ofoperation with CA, and to include a RRC function/module/apparatus (RRC)12E configured to cooperate in activating and de-activating CCs and toperform the needed signaling with the UE 10. The eNB 12, in someexemplary embodiments, can establish and operate a plurality of cells,such as the cells A and B shown in the exemplary scenario of FIG. 3.

At least one of the PROGs 10C and 12C is assumed to include programinstructions that, when executed by the associated DP, enable the deviceto operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of thisinvention, as will be discussed below in greater detail. That is, theexemplary embodiments of this invention may be implemented at least inpart by computer software executable by the DP 10A of the UE 10 and/orby the DP 12A of the eNB 12, or by hardware, or by a combination ofsoftware and hardware (and firmware).

In general, the various exemplary embodiments of the UE 10 can include,but are not limited to, mobile nodes, mobile stations, mobile phones,cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wirelesscommunication capabilities, mobile routers, relay stations, relay nodes,computers, portable computers having wireless communicationcapabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras havingwireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wirelesscommunication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances havingwireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permittingwireless Internet access and browsing, as well as portable units orterminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

The computer-readable MEMs 10B and 12B may be of any type suitable tothe local technical environment and may be implemented using anysuitable volatile and/or non-volatile data storage technology, such assemiconductor based memory devices, random access memory, read onlymemory, programmable read only memory, flash memory, magnetic memorydevices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memoryand removable memory, as non-limiting examples. The DPs 10A and 12A maybe of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and mayinclude one or more of general purpose computers, special purposecomputers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) andprocessors based on multi-core processor architectures, as non-limitingexamples.

While described above in reference to memories (MEMs 10B and 12B), thesecomponents may generally be seen to correspond to storage devices,storage circuits, storage components and/or storage blocks. In someexemplary embodiments, these components may comprise one or morecomputer-readable mediums, one or more computer-readable memories and/orone or more program storage devices.

While described above in reference to data processors (DPs 10A and 12A),these components may generally be seen to correspond to processors,processing devices, processing components, processing blocks, circuits,circuit devices, circuit components, circuit blocks, integrated circuitsand/or chips (e.g., chips comprising one or more circuits or integratedcircuits).

The exemplary embodiments of this invention are now described in furtherdetail.

In that the CC activation/de-activation is introduced mainly for UE 10power saving purposes, the UE 10 requirements (measurement and CQItransmission) can be changed in the following manner depending on howthe UE 10 is able to detect cells.

In a first aspect or step of the exemplary embodiments a signal qualitycheck is introduced for the activation command. In accordance with thisaspect if the signal quality of a corresponding DL SCC is low enoughthat the UE 10 considers the DL SCC signal as undetectable when the UE10 receives an activation command for a SCC from the eNB 12, the UE 10continues to treat the SCC as de-activated. Alternatively, the SCC isnot regarded by the UE 10 as in the de-activated state, but instead theSCC is in the activated but not actively monitoring state. The UE 10requirements for the corresponding SCC are accordingly configured andthe DL SCC is de-activated. That is, no CQI measurements are performedon the SCC/there is no CQI transmission (alternatively the UE 10indicates or reports a very low CQI, i.e., CQI index0). Cell search andmeasurements are performed according to some lower performancerequirements than those given for intra-frequency cell search andmeasurements. One example would be to follow the requirements given forinter-frequency requirements, as a non-limiting example. In oneexemplary embodiment, a signal quality threshold may be signaled fromthe eNB 12 to the UE 10 in order to assist the UE 10 in performing thesignal quality check. The signal quality threshold may be signaled withthe activation command or before the activation command, as non-limitingexamples. It is also possible for the UE 10 to utilize a predefinedthreshold (e.g., without explicit signal quality threshold signalingneeded).

In a second aspect or step of the exemplary embodiments, when ameasurement event, for example, A4 (or some similar event in Rel-10which indicates that there is a new DL SCC that the UE 10 could possiblyutilize), is triggered in the UE 10, the UE 10 reports this measurementevent as any other measurement event. Moreover, if A4 is triggered for aDL SCC that the eNB 12 has (at least once) attempted to activate, butfor which the UE 10 requirements are according to a de-activated SCC(for example, due to a signal quality threshold limit as above in thefirst step, or some other implicit mechanism which has changed the UE 10requirements), the requirements for the SCC would autonomously followthe requirements of an activated SCC. That is, the UE 10 will start tomonitor the PDCCH in DL, would perform CQI measurements (and potentiallyreport those measurements) and would perform cell search andmeasurements according to activated SCC requirements (which could, as anexample, be similar to intra-frequency requirements). For example, theformer ‘de-activated’ SCC (as described above) is changing state to theactivated state from this semi-activated state.

There are several alternative techniques to address this problem. Whatfollows are several possible techniques that can be used which restrictthe eNB 12 freedom to send an activation command to the UE 10.

One possible solution is to avoid allowing the eNB 12 to activate thoseSCCs that are not detected or detectable by the UE 10. For example, arule can be established that the eNB 12 can only activate a CC that theUE 10 can detect, i.e., those cells which have been detected by the UE10 and where (potentially) a measurement event A4 (or A1) has beentriggered in the UE 10 and the corresponding measurement reportpotentially sent to the eNB 12. Other techniques (e.g., other than ameasurement report) can be used as means for indicating the availabilityof an SCC to the eNB 12. As one non-limiting example, a valid CQI reportcould be used. This can also include a case where the UE 10 has not yetmanaged to send the measurement report, but where it would havereported, for example, event A2 (or RLF) of the corresponding SCC (e.g.,where it would have indicated that a given SCC is no longer available).Yet another possibility is to employ a UE-defined or network-signaledmechanism (based on, e.g., RSSI, RSRP, RSRQ and/or Ês/IoT threshold) fordetectability: If the received signal is less than a threshold value theUE 10 considers the SCC as undetectable (not detected, not detectable).

This approach (based on the network, i.e., the eNB 12, not being allowedto activate cells that are not detectable by the UE 10) however does notaddress the UE 10 behavior when the eNB 12 sends a SCC activationmessage that should not have been sent to the EU 10. One solution is tohave the UE 10 simply ignore such an activation message and consider itas a network error. Alternatively, the UE 10 can signal back to thenetwork the occurrence of an ‘activation error’ (i.e., the SCC was notactually activated although it was ordered to be activated).

Further with regard to the first exemplary aspect/step discussed above,it can be noted that it is not yet specified whether there is a need forseparate handling of the configured DL SCC which the eNB 12 hasrequested be activated, but which is below the signal quality threshold.Thus, the threshold can serve as an implicit de-activation mechanism.

Further it can be noted that this aspect implies that the UE 10requirements for corresponding the CC are according to the de-activatedCC. However, this is not yet an implicit de-activation mechanism in theUE 10.

It can further be noted that this aspect implies an improvement in UE 10battery life by reducing UE 10 power consumption.

Note further that an RSSI measurement may be viewed as a potentiallybest approach to the signal quality threshold since it is a very simplemeasurement that can be performed quickly. In the UE 10 implementationthere can be some internal threshold to define whether the UE 10attempts to perform a cell search procedure for a cell. Note furtherthat the RSSI measurement has not been defined as such in 3GPP for anyaction before (it is not defined as a reportable measurement quantity),but previously has been defined only as part of another measurement(namely the RSRQ measurement where RSRQ=RSRP/RSSI).

Reference in this regard can be made to 3GPP TS 36.214 V9.0.0 (2009-12)Technical Specification 3rd Generation Partnership Project; TechnicalSpecification Group Radio Access Network; Evolved Universal TerrestrialRadio Access (E-UTRA); Physical layer—Measurements (Release 9),specifically Section 5.1.3, where RSRQ is defined as the ratioNHRSRP/(E-UTRA carrier RSSI), where N is the number of resource blocksof the E-UTRA carrier RSSI measurement bandwidth. The measurements inthe numerator and denominator are made over the same set of resourceblocks. The E-UTRA Carrier RSSI is said to comprise the linear averageof the total received power (in [W]) observed only in OFDM symbolscontaining reference symbols for antenna port 0, in the measurementbandwidth, over N number of resource blocks by the UE from all sources,including co-channel serving and non-serving cells, adjacent channelinterference, thermal noise, etc. The reference point for the RSRQ isdefined as the antenna connector of the UE.

It can be noted that this first aspect/step also can be used as atrigger for implicit de-activation of a CC.

Further with regard to the second aspect/step discussed above, it can benoted that it may be assumed that the corresponding DL SCC is out of thecoverage area from the UE 10 point of view. Thus the UE 10 is not ableto send or receive anything on the activated SCC, and performs themeasurement for that SCC according to the requirements of a de-activatedSCC (and does not send CQI reports, or sends a CQI index of zero withoutactually measuring the CQI).

It can further be noted that a separation of the handling of differentDL SCCs, with UE 10 measurement requirements according to a de-activatedDL SCC, can also be based on whether there are CQI resources assigned tothe specific DL SCC. Thus, assigned CQI resources can be considered asan indication as to whether the UE 10 waits for the eNB 12 to change theUE requirements via an activation command, or a measurement event andpotential reporting (or other indication) to the eNB 12 may besufficient to change the UE requirements for measurements and to beginsending corresponding CQI reports.

Note as well that there may be a report, requested by the eNB 12, thatthe UE 10 sends and that contains information about which SCCs the UE 10has been able to measure.

In the event of the Case 2 (see FIG. 3), if it is decided to include CQIresources for the SCC activation mechanism then the second aspect/stepabove may be viewed as beneficial to the network vendor.

It should be noted that the implicit de-activation mechanism may be lessdesirable, as the UE 10 and the eNB 12 may become un-synchronized sincethe eNB 12 does not know when the UE 10 has de-activated the SCC. Analternative to actual de-activation would be to keep the SCC in theactivated state in the UE 10 but lower the monitoring and measurementrequirements on such a SCC.

Further with regard to the approach of only allowing the eNB 12 toactivate the DL SCC(s) that the UE 10 can detect, it can be appreciatedthat the eNB 12 may not have a correct understanding of the UE situation(e.g., if the UE 10 has already lost the connection to the correspondingcell), as there is a delay between the eNB 12 and the UE 10. Further, in3GPP it is not normally specified what eNB 12 can or cannot do, thus theUE 10 should still know what to do in those cases that arise withrespect to the SCC activation command. Note that relying on a networkerror approach may increase the signaling overhead in the network.

However, the eNB 12 could still be aware of some SCCs if the UE 10 hasbeen able to send an A1/A4 report of a particular SCC, since it islikely that the eNB 12 may activate the SCC only if a need arises toincrease the data rate for the UE 10.

A timer-based de-activation mechanism is a potential solution, howevertimers can typically require some long amount of time to be effective,and furthermore the timer may not be started at all if the UE 10 cannotfind the cell. A timer can be introduced to solve the problem associatedwith case 3 above (FIG. 3). However, a timer-based approach can reducethe scheduling flexibility in the network if the network uses CA to moreefficiently utilize radio resources, and not only for increasing peakdata rates. Thus in those cases the network may configure timers to belong to protect the possibility that the network does not scheduleanything on a particular CC for some period of time.

As noted above, various exemplary embodiments of the invention maybesuitable for use in conjunction with one or more measurement reporttriggering events, such as those specified in Section 5.5.4 of 3GPP TS36.331 V9.1.0 (2009-12), for example. As non-limiting examples, thesetriggering events may include one or more of the following events, asdefined in TS 36.331 (e.g., V9.1.0): A1, A2, A4, A5, B1 and/or B2.General information concerning triggered events and resulting actionscan be found in Section 5.5.4.1 of TS 36.331 (V9.1.0). Furthermore,specific information regarding measurement reporting (i.e., transmissionof a measurement report from the UE to the E-UTRAN/eNB) can be found inSection 5.5.5 of TS 36.331 (V9.1.0). It is also noted that informationfor events A5, B1 and B2 can be found in Sections 5.5.4.6, 5.5.4.7 and5.5.4.8 of TS 36.331 (V9.1.0), respectively.

By way of example, below are provided Sections 5.5.4.2, 5.5.4.3 and5.5.4.5 of TS 36.331 (V9.1.0) describing events A1, A2 and A4,respectively. It is noted that this document (TS 36.331 V9.1.0) wasincorporated by reference in the priority U.S. provisional application.

5.5.4.2 Event A1 (Serving Becomes Better than Threshold)

The UE shall:

-   -   1>consider the entering condition for this event to be satisfied        when condition A1-1, as specified below, is fulfilled;    -   1>consider the leaving condition for this event to be satisfied        when condition A1-2, as specified below, is fulfilled;

Inequality A1-1 (Entering condition)

Ms−Hys>Thresh

Inequality A1-2 (Leaving condition)

Ms+Hys<Thresh

The variables in the formula are defined as follows:

-   -   Ms is the measurement result of the serving cell, not taking        into account any offsets.    -   Hys is the hysteresis parameter for this event (i.e. hysteresis        as defined within reportConfigEUTRA for this event).    -   Thresh is the threshold parameter for this event (i.e.        a1-Threshold as defined within reportConfigEUTRA for this        event).    -   Ms is expressed in dBm in case of RSRP, or in dB in case of        RSRQ.    -   Hys is expressed in dB.    -   Thresh is expressed in the same unit as Ms.

5.5.4.3 Event A2 (Serving Becomes Worse than Threshold)

The UE shall:

-   -   1>consider the entering condition for this event to be satisfied        when condition A2-1, as specified below, is fulfilled;    -   1>consider the leaving condition for this event to be satisfied        when condition A2-2, as specified below, is fulfilled;

Inequality A2-1 (Entering condition)

Ms+Hys<Thresh

Inequality A2-2 (Leaving condition)

Ms−Hys>Thresh

The variables in the formula are defined as follows:

-   -   Ms is the measurement result of the serving cell, not taking        into account any offsets.    -   Hys is the hysteresis parameter for this event (i.e. hysteresis        as defined within reportConfigEUTRA for this event).    -   Thresh is the threshold parameter for this event (i.e.        a2-Threshold as defined within reportConfigEUTRA for this        event).    -   Ms is expressed in dBm in case of RSRP, or in dB in case of        RSRQ.    -   Hys is expressed in dB.    -   Thresh is expressed in the same unit as Ms.

5.5.4.5 Event A4 (Neighbour Becomes Better than Threshold)

The UE shall:

-   -   1>consider the entering condition for this event to be satisfied        when condition A4-1, as specified below, is fulfilled;    -   1>consider the leaving condition for this event to be satisfied        when condition A4-2, as specified below, is fulfilled;

Inequality A4-1 (Entering condition)

Mn+Ofn+Ocn−Hys>Thresh

Inequality A4-2 (Leaving condition)

Mn+Ofn+Ocn+Hys<Thresh

The variables in the formula are defined as follows:

-   -   Mn is the measurement result of the neighbouring cell, not        taking into account any offsets.    -   Ofn is the frequency specific offset of the frequency of the        neighbour cell (i.e. offsetFreq as defined within        measObjectEUTRA corresponding to the frequency of the neighbour        cell).    -   Ocn is the cell specific offset of the neighbour cell (i.e.        cellIndividualOffset as defined within measObjectEUTRA        corresponding to the frequency of the neighbour cell), and set        to zero if not configured for the neighbour cell.    -   Hys is the hysteresis parameter for this event (i.e. hysteresis        as defined within reportConfigEUTRA for this event).    -   Thresh is the threshold parameter for this event (i.e.        a4-Threshold as defined within reportConfigEUTRA for this        event).    -   Mn is expressed in dBm in case of RSRP, or in dB in case of        RSRQ.    -   Ofn, Ocn, Hys are expressed in dB.    -   Thresh is expressed in the same unit as Ms.

It is noted that in some exemplary embodiments, at least for events A1and A2 the measurements may be with reference to the SCC as opposed tothe “serving cell.” In further exemplary embodiments, such an extensionmay apply to one or more of the other events.

Based on the foregoing it should be apparent that the exemplaryembodiments of this invention provide methods, apparatus and computerprograms to operate a user equipment in an energy efficient manner witha network access node in a carrier aggregation environment, whereinprimary and secondary component carriers are assignable to the userequipment and can be activated and de-activated.

FIG. 4 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates the operation of amethod, and a result of execution of computer program instructions, inaccordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention. Inaccordance with these exemplary embodiments a method performs, at Block4A, a step of measuring at least one characteristic of a downlinksecondary component carrier. At Block 4B there is a step performed, whena measurement result of the at least one characteristic is below somethreshold, of considering the downlink secondary component carrier asbeing undetectable in the event an activation command for a secondarycomponent carrier is received from a network access node.

In the method of the preceding paragraph, where considering the downlinksecondary carrier as undetectable comprises implicitly considering thesecondary component carrier as being de-activated. The method as in anyabove, where considering the downlink secondary carrier as undetectablecomprises considering the secondary component carrier as being activatedbut not actively monitoring (e.g., not actively monitoring the PDCCH).

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, where considering thesecondary component carrier as being de-activated comprises inhibiting achannel quality indicator measurement of the secondary componentcarrier. The method as in any above, where PDCCH monitoring is skipped(e.g., ignored, not performed).

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, where considering thesecondary component carrier as being de-activated comprises inhibitingthe sending of a channel quality indicator report to the network accessnode, or sending a predetermined channel quality indicator report thatindicates a low or zero channel quality.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, where the threshold serves asan implicit secondary component carrier de-activation mechanism. Themethod as in any above, where the threshold serves to lower themonitoring (e.g., of the PDCCH) and measurement and cell searchrequirements (e.g., while maintaining the secondary component carrier inan active state).

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, where the measurementcomprises a received signal strength measurement.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, where the measured at leastone characteristic of the downlink secondary component carrier comprisesat least one of signal strength, signal quality and signal power.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, used as a trigger for animplicit de-activation of a component carrier.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, and in response to receivingthe secondary component carrier activation command from the networkaccess node, considering the activation command as a network error.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, and in response to receivingthe secondary component carrier activation command from the networkaccess node, signaling an indication (e.g., an occurrence of anactivation error, an indication that scheduling is not possible (e.g.,due to non-detection of the SCC)) to the network access node to informthe network access node that the secondary component carrier indicatedin the activation command was not activated or was not detected.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, performed as a result ofexecution of computer program instructions, stored in acomputer-readable memory medium, by at least one data processor of auser equipment.

FIG. 5 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates the operation of anothermethod, and a result of execution of computer program instructions,further in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention.In accordance with these exemplary embodiments a method performs, atBlock 5A, a step of detecting an occurrence of a particular type ofmeasurement event that indicates that there is a (new) downlinksecondary component carrier that could possibly be utilized forcommunication with a network access node. At Block 5B there is a step ofreporting the measurement event to the network access node.

The method of the preceding paragraph, where the particular type ofmeasurement event is one of ‘serving becomes better than threshold’,measurement event A1; or ‘neighbour becomes better than threshold’,measurement event A4.

The method as in the preceding paragraph, where for the case ofmeasurement event A4 for a downlink secondary component carrier that thenetwork access node has (at least once) previously attempted toactivate, but for which the UE 10 requirements are according to ade-activated SCC, the requirements for the secondary component carrierautonomously follow the requirements of an activated secondary componentcarrier.

The method of the preceding paragraphs, where the downlink secondarycomponent carrier is out of a coverage area and where a measurement ismade according to a de-activated secondary component carrier, andcomprising inhibiting the sending of a channel quality indicator reportto the network access node, or sending a predetermined channel qualityindicator report that indicates a low or zero channel quality.

The method of the preceding paragraph, where measurement requirementsaccording to the de-activated downlink secondary component carrier arebased at least in part on whether channel quality indicator resourceshave been assigned to the specific downlink component carrier by thenetwork access node, and where a presence of assigned channel qualityindicator resources is considered as a indication as to whether to waitfor the network access node to send an activation command to beginsending channel quality indicator reports, or to autonomously beginsending channel quality indicator reports.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising sending areport requested by the network access node, the report containinginformation of which downlink secondary component carriers, if any, thatare measurable.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, where the network access nodeis constrained to only activate secondary component carriers that aredetectable by the user equipment.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, performed as a result ofexecution of computer program instructions, stored in acomputer-readable memory medium, by at least one data processor of auser equipment.

FIG. 6 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates the operation of amethod, and a result of execution of computer program instructions,further in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention.In accordance with these exemplary embodiments a method performs, atBlock 6A, a step of measuring at least one characteristic of a downlinksecondary component carrier. At Block 6B there is a step performed, whena measurement result of the at least one characteristic is below somethreshold, of triggering at least one of an implicit de-activation ofthe secondary component carrier and lower monitoring and measurementrequirements on the secondary component carrier (e.g., if the secondarycomponent carrier is activated by not actively monitoring, for example,a PDCCH).

In the method of the preceding paragraph, where triggering the implicitde-activation of the secondary component carrier comprises inhibiting achannel quality indicator measurement of the secondary component carrierand/or not monitoring a PDCCH.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, where triggering the implicitde-activation of the secondary component carrier comprises inhibitingthe sending of a channel quality indicator report to the network accessnode, or sending a predetermined channel quality indicator report thatindicates a low or zero channel quality.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, where the measurementcomprises a received signal strength measurement.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, where the measured at leastone characteristic of the downlink secondary component carrier comprisesat least one of signal strength, signal quality and signal power.

In the method of the preceding paragraphs, performed as a result ofexecution of computer program instructions, stored in acomputer-readable memory medium, by at least one data processor of auser equipment.

The various blocks shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 and may be viewed as methodsteps, and/or as operations that result from operation of computerprogram code, and/or as a plurality of coupled logic circuit elementsconstructed to carry out the associated function(s).

The exemplary embodiments also provide an apparatus that comprises aprocessor and a memory including computer program code, where the memoryand computer program code are configured to, with the processor, causethe apparatus at least to perform measuring at least one characteristicof a downlink secondary component carrier and, when a measurement resultof the at least one characteristic is below some threshold, consideringthe downlink secondary component carrier as being undetectable in theevent an activation command for a secondary component carrier isreceived from a network access node.

The exemplary embodiments also provide an apparatus that comprises meansfor measuring at least one characteristic of a downlink secondarycomponent carrier and means, responsive to a measurement result of theat least one characteristic being below some threshold, for consideringthe downlink secondary component carrier as being undetectable in theevent an activation command for a secondary component carrier isreceived from a network access node.

The exemplary embodiments also provide an apparatus that comprises aprocessor and a memory including computer program code, where the memoryand computer program code are configured to, with the processor, causethe apparatus at least to perform detecting an occurrence of aparticular type of measurement event that indicates that there is a(new) downlink secondary component carrier that could possibly beutilized for communication with a network access node, and reporting themeasurement event to the network access node.

The exemplary embodiments also provide an apparatus that comprises meansfor detecting an occurrence of a particular type of measurement eventthat indicates that there is a new downlink secondary component carrierthat could possibly be utilized for communication with a network accessnode, and means for reporting the measurement event to the networkaccess node.

The exemplary embodiments also provide an apparatus that comprises aprocessor and a memory including computer program code, where the memoryand computer program code are configured to, with the processor, causethe apparatus at least to perform measuring at least one characteristicof a downlink secondary component carrier and, when a measurement resultof the at least one characteristic is below some threshold, triggeringan implicit de-activation of the secondary component carrier.

The exemplary embodiments also provide an apparatus that comprises meansfor measuring at least one characteristic of a downlink secondarycomponent carrier and means, responsive to a measurement result of theat least one characteristic being below some threshold, for triggeringan implicit de-activation of the secondary component carrier.

Below are provided further descriptions of various non-limiting,exemplary embodiments. The below-described exemplary embodiments areseparately numbered for clarity and identification. This numberingshould not be construed as wholly separating the below descriptionssince various aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments may bepracticed in conjunction with one or more other aspects or exemplaryembodiments. That is, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, suchas those described immediately below, may be implemented, practiced orutilized in any combination (e.g., any combination that is suitable,practicable and/or feasible) and are not limited only to thosecombinations described herein and/or included in the appended claims.

(1) In one exemplary embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 7, a methodcomprising: measuring at least one characteristic of a secondarycomponent carrier to obtain a measurement result, where measuring isperformed by an apparatus while the apparatus is in communication with anetwork via a primary component carrier with a network access node(701); and in response to the measurement result of the at least onecharacteristic being below a threshold, and further in response toreceiving from the network access node an activation command for thesecondary component carrier, considering the secondary component carrieras being undetectable (702).

A method as above, where the primary component carrier and the secondarycomponent carrier are suitable for use by the apparatus in conjunctionwith carrier aggregation. A method as in any above, where consideringthe secondary component carrier as undetectable comprises consideringthe secondary component carrier as being de-activated. A method as inany above, where considering the secondary component carrier asundetectable comprises implicitly considering the secondary componentcarrier as being de-activated. A method as in any above, where thesecond component carrier comprises a second downlink component carrier.

A method as in any above, where considering the secondary componentcarrier as being undetectable comprises considering the secondarycomponent carrier as being activated but without actively monitoring thesecond component carrier (e.g., not actively monitoring the PDCCH). Amethod as in any above, where considering the secondary componentcarrier as being undetectable comprises considering the secondarycomponent carrier as being de-activated. A method as in any above, whereconsidering the secondary component carrier as being de-activatedcomprises inhibiting a channel quality indicator measurement of thesecondary component carrier. A method as in any above, where consideringthe secondary component carrier as being de-activated comprisesinhibiting the sending of a channel quality indicator report to thenetwork access node, or sending a predetermined channel qualityindicator report that indicates a low or zero channel quality.

A method as in any above, where considering the secondary componentcarrier as being undetectable comprises inhibiting a channel qualityindicator measurement of the secondary component carrier. A method as inany above, where considering the secondary component carrier as beingundetectable comprises inhibiting the sending of a channel qualityindicator report to the network access node, or sending a predeterminedchannel quality indicator report that indicates a low or zero channelquality. A method as in any above, where PDCCH monitoring is notperformed (e.g., ignored, skipped). A method as in any above, where thethreshold comprises an implicit secondary component carrierde-activation mechanism. A method as in any above, where the thresholdserves to lower (e.g., reduce) at least one of the monitoring (e.g., ofthe PDCCH) and measurement and cell search requirements (e.g., whilemaintaining the secondary component carrier in an active state).

A method as in any above, where the measured at least one characteristiccomprises a received signal strength. A method as in any above, wherethe measured at least one characteristic comprises at least one ofsignal strength, signal quality and signal power. A method as in anyabove, further comprising: in response to receiving a secondarycomponent carrier activation command from the network access node,considering the activation command as a network error. A method as inany above, further comprising: in response to receiving a secondarycomponent carrier activation command from the network access node,signaling an indication (e.g., an occurrence of an activation error, anindication that scheduling is not possible (e.g., due to non-detectionof the SCC)) to the network access node to inform the network accessnode that the secondary component carrier indicated in the activationcommand was not activated or was not detected. A method as in any above,performed as a result of execution of computer program instructions,stored in a computer-readable memory medium, by at least one dataprocessor of a user equipment.

A method as in any above, implemented as a computer program. A method asin any above, implemented as a computer program stored (e.g., tangiblyembodied) on a computer-readable medium (e.g., a program storage device,a memory). A computer program comprising computer program instructionsthat, when loaded in a processor, perform operations according to one ormore (e.g., any one) of the above-described methods. A method as in anyabove, implemented as a program of instructions tangibly embodied on aprogram storage device, execution of the program of instructions by amachine (e.g., a processor or a data processor) resulting in operationscomprising the steps of the method. A method as in any above, furthercomprising one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of theinvention as described herein.

(2) In another exemplary embodiment, a program storage device readableby a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable bythe machine for performing operations, said operations comprising:measuring at least one characteristic of a secondary component carrierto obtain a measurement result, where measuring is performed by anapparatus while the apparatus is in communication with a network via aprimary component carrier with a network access node (701); and inresponse to the measurement result of the at least one characteristicbeing below a threshold, and further in response to receiving from thenetwork access node an activation command for the secondary componentcarrier, considering the secondary component carrier as beingundetectable (702).

A program storage device as in any above, wherein the program storagedevice comprises a computer-readable medium, a computer-readable memory,a memory, a memory card, a removable memory, a storage device, a storagecomponent and/or a storage circuit. A program storage device as in anyabove, further comprising one or more aspects of the exemplaryembodiments of the invention as described herein.

(3) In a further exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: at leastone processor; and at least one memory including computer program code,the at least one memory and the computer program code being configuredto, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least toperform: measuring at least one characteristic of a secondary componentcarrier to obtain a measurement result, where measuring is performed byan apparatus while the apparatus is in communication with a network viaa primary component carrier with a network access node; and in responseto the measurement result of the at least one characteristic being belowa threshold, and further in response to receiving from the networkaccess node an activation command for the secondary component carrier,considering the secondary component carrier as being undetectable.

An apparatus as in any above, where the apparatus comprises a mobilephone, a mobile node, a cellular phone, a mobile device or a userequipment. An apparatus as in any above, further comprising one or moreaspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as describedherein.

(4) In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: means formeasuring at least one characteristic of a secondary component carrierto obtain a measurement result, where measuring is performed by anapparatus while the apparatus is in communication with a network via aprimary component carrier with a network access node; and means for, inresponse to the measurement result of the at least one characteristicbeing below a threshold, and further in response to receiving from thenetwork access node an activation command for the secondary componentcarrier, considering the secondary component carrier as beingundetectable.

An apparatus as in any above, where the means for measuring comprises ameasurement unit or a measurement function implemented by a processorand where the means for considering comprises a processor. An apparatusas in any above, where the apparatus comprises a mobile phone, a mobilenode, a cellular phone, a mobile device or a user equipment. Anapparatus as in any above, further comprising one or more aspects of theexemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein.

(5) In a further exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising:measurement circuitry configured to measure at least one characteristicof a secondary component carrier to obtain a measurement result, wheremeasuring is performed by an apparatus while the apparatus is incommunication with a network via a primary component carrier with anetwork access node; and processing circuitry configured, in response tothe measurement result of the at least one characteristic being below athreshold, and further in response to receiving from the network accessnode an activation command for the secondary component carrier, toconsider the secondary component carrier as being undetectable.

An apparatus as in any above, embodied on at least one integratedcircuit. An apparatus as in any above, where the apparatus comprises amobile phone, a mobile node, a cellular phone, a mobile device or a userequipment. An apparatus as in any above, further comprising one or moreaspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as describedherein.

(6) In another exemplary embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 8, amethod comprising: measuring at least one characteristic of a secondarycomponent carrier to obtain a measurement result, where measuring isperformed by an apparatus while the apparatus is in communication with anetwork via a primary component carrier (801); and in response to themeasurement result of the at least one characteristic being below athreshold, triggering at least one of an implicit de-activation of thesecondary component carrier and reduced monitoring and measurementrequirements for the secondary component carrier (802).

A method as above, where the primary component carrier and the secondarycomponent carrier are suitable for use by the apparatus in conjunctionwith carrier aggregation. A method as in any above, where triggering isperformed further in response to the secondary component carrier beingactivated and the apparatus not actively monitoring a PDCCH for thesecondary component carrier. A method as in any above, where triggeringthe implicit de-activation of the secondary component carrier comprisesat least one of inhibiting a channel quality indicator measurement ofthe secondary component carrier and not monitoring a PDCCH. A method asin any above, where triggering the implicit de-activation of thesecondary component carrier comprises inhibiting the sending of achannel quality indicator report to the network access node, or sendinga predetermined channel quality indicator report that indicates a low orzero channel quality.

A method as in any above, where the measured at least one characteristiccomprises a received signal strength. A method as in any above, wherethe measured at least one characteristic comprises at least one ofsignal strength, signal quality and signal power. A method as in anyabove, performed as a result of execution of computer programinstructions, stored in a computer-readable memory medium, by at leastone data processor of a user equipment.

A method as in any above, implemented as a computer program. A method asin any above, implemented as a computer program stored (e.g., tangiblyembodied) on a computer-readable medium (e.g., a program storage device,a memory). A computer program comprising computer program instructionsthat, when loaded in a processor, perform operations according to one ormore (e.g., any one) of the above-described methods. A method as in anyabove, implemented as a program of instructions tangibly embodied on aprogram storage device, execution of the program of instructions by amachine (e.g., a processor or a data processor) resulting in operationscomprising the steps of the method. A method as in any above, furthercomprising one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of theinvention as described herein.

(7) In another exemplary embodiment, a program storage device readableby a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable bythe machine for performing operations, said operations comprising:measuring at least one characteristic of a secondary component carrierto obtain a measurement result, where measuring is performed by anapparatus while the apparatus is in communication with a network via aprimary component carrier (801); and in response to the measurementresult of the at least one characteristic being below a threshold,triggering at least one of an implicit de-activation of the secondarycomponent carrier and reduced monitoring and measurement requirementsfor the secondary component carrier (802).

A program storage device as in any above, wherein the program storagedevice comprises a computer-readable medium, a computer-readable memory,a memory, a memory card, a removable memory, a storage device, a storagecomponent and/or a storage circuit. A program storage device as in anyabove, further comprising one or more aspects of the exemplaryembodiments of the invention as described herein.

(8) In a further exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: at leastone processor; and at least one memory including computer program code,the at least one memory and the computer program code being configuredto, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least toperform: measuring at least one characteristic of a secondary componentcarrier to obtain a measurement result, where measuring is performed byan apparatus while the apparatus is in communication with a network viaa primary component carrier; and in response to the measurement resultof the at least one characteristic being below a threshold, triggeringat least one of an implicit de-activation of the secondary componentcarrier and reduced monitoring and measurement requirements for thesecondary component carrier.

An apparatus as in any above, where the apparatus comprises a mobilephone, a mobile node, a cellular phone, a mobile device or a userequipment. An apparatus as in any above, further comprising one or moreaspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as describedherein.

(9) In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: means formeasuring at least one characteristic of a secondary component carrierto obtain a measurement result, where measuring is performed by anapparatus while the apparatus is in communication with a network via aprimary component carrier; and means for, in response to the measurementresult of the at least one characteristic being below a threshold,triggering at least one of an implicit de-activation of the secondarycomponent carrier and reduced monitoring and measurement requirementsfor the secondary component carrier.

An apparatus as in any above, where the means for measuring comprises ameasurement unit or a measurement function implemented by a processorand where the means for triggering comprises a processor. An apparatusas in any above, where the apparatus comprises a mobile phone, a mobilenode, a cellular phone, a mobile device or a user equipment. Anapparatus as in any above, further comprising one or more aspects of theexemplary embodiments of the invention as described herein.

(10) In a further exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising:measurement circuitry configured to measure at least one characteristicof a secondary component carrier to obtain a measurement result, wheremeasuring is performed by an apparatus while the apparatus is incommunication with a network via a primary component carrier; andprocessing circuitry configured, in response to the measurement resultof the at least one characteristic being below a threshold, to triggerat least one of an implicit de-activation of the secondary componentcarrier and reduced monitoring and measurement requirements for thesecondary component carrier.

An apparatus as in any above, embodied on at least one integratedcircuit. An apparatus as in any above, where the apparatus comprises amobile phone, a mobile node, a cellular phone, a mobile device or a userequipment. An apparatus as in any above, further comprising one or moreaspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as describedherein.

(11) In another exemplary embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 9, amethod comprising: detecting an occurrence of a particular type ofmeasurement event for a secondary component carrier that is used forcommunication with a second network access node, where detecting isperformed by an apparatus while the apparatus is in communication with afirst network access node via a primary component carrier (901); inresponse to detection of the particular type of measurement event,generating a measurement report for the secondary component carrier(902); and sending the measurement report from the apparatus to thefirst network access node (903).

A method as above, where the primary component carrier and the secondarycomponent carrier are suitable for use by the apparatus in conjunctionwith carrier aggregation. A method as in any above, where the particulartype of measurement event indicates that the secondary component carrieris one of available or unavailable for use for communication with asecond network access node. A method as in any above, where theparticular type of measurement event comprises at least one of event A1‘Serving becomes better than threshold’, event A2 ‘Serving becomes worsethan threshold’ and event A4 ‘neighbour becomes better than threshold’.A method as in any above, in response to the particular type ofmeasurement event comprising event A4 ‘neighbour becomes better thanthreshold’, the network access node having previously attempted toactivate the secondary component carrier and apparatus requirementsbeing according to a de-activated secondary component carrier, havingthe apparatus requirements for the secondary component carrierautonomously follow requirements of an activated secondary componentcarrier.

A method as in any above, where for the case of measurement event A4 fora downlink secondary component carrier that the network access node has(at least once) previously attempted to activate, but for which the UE10 requirements are according to a de-activated SCC, the requirementsfor the secondary component carrier autonomously follow the requirementsof an activated secondary component carrier. A method as in any above,where the secondary component carrier is out of a coverage area andwhere a measurement is made according to a de-activated secondarycomponent carrier, the method further comprising: inhibiting sending ofa channel quality indicator report to the network access node, orsending a predetermined channel quality indicator report that indicatesa low or zero channel quality.

A method as in any above, where the secondary component carriercomprises a de-activated secondary component carrier, where measurementrequirements for the de-activated secondary component carrier are atleast in part based on whether channel quality indicator resources havebeen assigned to the de-activated secondary component carrier by thenetwork access node, and where a presence of assigned channel qualityindicator resources is considered as an indication whether to wait forthe network access node to send an activation command to begin sendingchannel quality indicator reports for the secondary component carrier,or to autonomously begin sending channel quality indicator reports. Amethod as in any above, further comprising sending a report requested bythe network access node, the report containing information of whichsecondary component carriers are measurable. A method as in any above,where the network access node is constrained to only activate secondarycomponent carriers that are detectable by the user equipment. A methodas in any above, performed as a result of execution of computer programinstructions, stored in a computer-readable memory medium, by at leastone data processor of a user equipment.

A method as in any above, implemented as a computer program. A method asin any above, implemented as a computer program stored (e.g., tangiblyembodied) on a computer-readable medium (e.g., a program storage device,a memory). A computer program comprising computer program instructionsthat, when loaded in a processor, perform operations according to one ormore (e.g., any one) of the above-described methods. A method as in anyabove, implemented as a program of instructions tangibly embodied on aprogram storage device, execution of the program of instructions by amachine (e.g., a processor or a data processor) resulting in operationscomprising the steps of the method. A method as in any above, furthercomprising one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of theinvention as described herein.

(12) In another exemplary embodiment, a program storage device readableby a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable bythe machine for performing operations, said operations comprising:detecting an occurrence of a particular type of measurement event for asecondary component carrier that is used for communication with a secondnetwork access node, where detecting is performed by an apparatus whilethe apparatus is in communication with a first network access node via aprimary component carrier (901); in response to detection of theparticular type of measurement event, generating a measurement reportfor the secondary component carrier (902); and sending the measurementreport from the apparatus to the first network access node (903).

A program storage device as in any above, wherein the program storagedevice comprises a computer-readable medium, a computer-readable memory,a memory, a memory card, a removable memory, a storage device, a storagecomponent and/or a storage circuit. A program storage device as in anyabove, further comprising one or more aspects of the exemplaryembodiments of the invention as described herein.

(13) In a further exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: atleast one processor; and at least one memory including computer programcode, the at least one memory and the computer program code beingconfigured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus atleast to perform: detecting an occurrence of a particular type ofmeasurement event for a secondary component carrier that is used forcommunication with a second network access node, where detecting isperformed by an apparatus while the apparatus is in communication with afirst network access node via a primary component carrier; in responseto detection of the particular type of measurement event, generating ameasurement report for the secondary component carrier; and sending themeasurement report from the apparatus to the first network access node.

An apparatus as in any above, where the apparatus comprises a mobilephone, a mobile node, a cellular phone, a mobile device or a userequipment. An apparatus as in any above, further comprising one or moreaspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as describedherein.

(14) In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: means fordetecting an occurrence of a particular type of measurement event for asecondary component carrier that is used for communication with a secondnetwork access node, where detecting is performed by an apparatus whilethe apparatus is in communication with a first network access node via aprimary component carrier; means for, in response to detection of theparticular type of measurement event, generating a measurement reportfor the secondary component carrier; and means for sending themeasurement report from the apparatus to the first network access node.

An apparatus as in any above, where the means for detecting and themeans for generating comprise at least one processor and where the meansfor sending comprises a transmitter. An apparatus as in any above, wherethe apparatus comprises a mobile phone, a mobile node, a cellular phone,a mobile device or a user equipment. An apparatus as in any above,further comprising one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments ofthe invention as described herein.

(15) In a further exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising:detection circuitry configured to detect an occurrence of a particulartype of measurement event for a secondary component carrier that is usedfor communication with a second network access node, where detecting isperformed by an apparatus while the apparatus is in communication with afirst network access node via a primary component carrier; reportgeneration circuitry configured, in response to detection of theparticular type of measurement event, to generate a measurement reportfor the secondary component carrier; and transmission circuitryconfigured to send the measurement report from the apparatus to thefirst network access node.

An apparatus as in any above, embodied on at least one integratedcircuit. An apparatus as in any above, where the apparatus comprises amobile phone, a mobile node, a cellular phone, a mobile device or a userequipment. An apparatus as in any above, further comprising one or moreaspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as describedherein.

The exemplary embodiments of the invention, as discussed above and asparticularly described with respect to exemplary methods, may beimplemented as a computer program product comprising programinstructions embodied on a tangible computer-readable medium. Executionof the program instructions results in operations comprising steps ofutilizing the exemplary embodiments or steps of the method.

The exemplary embodiments of the invention, as discussed above and asparticularly described with respect to exemplary methods, may beimplemented in conjunction with a program storage device (e.g., acomputer-readable medium, a memory) readable by a machine (e.g., acomputer, a mobile station, a mobile device, a mobile node), tangiblyembodying a program of instructions (e.g., a program, a computerprogram) executable by the machine for performing operations. Theoperations comprise steps of utilizing the exemplary embodiments orsteps of the method.

The various blocks shown in FIGS. 4-9 may be viewed as method steps, asoperations that result from operation of computer program code and/or asone or more coupled components (e.g., function blocks, circuits,integrated circuits, logic circuit elements) constructed to carry outthe associated function(s). The blocks depicted in FIGS. 4-9 may also beconsidered to correspond to one or more functions and/or operations thatare performed by one or more components, apparatus, processors, computerprograms, circuits, integrated circuits, application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), chips and/or function blocks. Any and/or all of theabove may be implemented in any practicable arrangement or solution thatenables operation in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of theinvention.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the blocks shown in FIGS. 4-9 should beconsidered merely exemplary and non-limiting. It should be appreciatedthat the blocks depicted in FIGS. 4-9 may correspond to one or morefunctions and/or operations that may be performed in any order (e.g.,any practicable, suitable and/or feasible order) and/or concurrently(e.g., as practicable, suitable and/or feasible) so as to implement oneor more of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, oneor more additional steps, functions and/or operations may be utilized inconjunction with those illustrated in FIGS. 4-9 so as to implement oneor more further exemplary embodiments of the invention, such as thosedescribed in further detail herein.

That is, the non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of the invention shownin FIGS. 4-9 may be implemented, practiced or utilized in conjunctionwith one or more further aspects in any combination (e.g., anycombination that is practicable, suitable and/or feasible) and are notlimited only to the blocks, steps, functions and/or operationsillustrated in FIGS. 4-9.

It should be noted that the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variantthereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect,between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one ormore intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or“coupled” together. The coupling or connection between the elements canbe physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein, twoelements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” together bythe use of one or more wires, cables and/or printed electricalconnections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such aselectromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region,the microwave region and the optical region (both visible andinvisible), as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

While the exemplary embodiments have been described above in the contextof the E-UTRA (UTRAN-LTE) system, it should be appreciated that theexemplary embodiments of this invention are not limited for use withonly this one particular type of wireless communication system, and thatthey may be used to advantage in other wireless communication systems.

In general, the various exemplary embodiments may be implemented inhardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combinationthereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, whileother aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may beexecuted by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device,although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects ofthe invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is wellunderstood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methodsdescribed herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples,hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, generalpurpose hardware or controllers, other computing devices and/or somecombination thereof.

The exemplary embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in variouscomponents such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integratedcircuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex andpowerful software tools are available for converting a logic leveldesign into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formedon a semiconductor substrate.

As such, it should be appreciated that at least some aspects of theexemplary embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in variouscomponents such as integrated circuit chips and modules. It should thusbe appreciated that the exemplary embodiments of this invention may berealized in an apparatus that is embodied as an integrated circuit,where the integrated circuit may comprise circuitry (as well as possiblyfirmware) for embodying at least one or more of a data processor, adigital signal processor, baseband circuitry and radio frequencycircuitry that are configurable so as to operate in accordance with theexemplary embodiments of this invention.

Programs, such as those provided by Synopsys, Inc. of Mountain View,Calif. and Cadence Design, of San Jose, Calif. automatically routeconductors and locate components on a semiconductor chip using wellestablished rules of design as well as libraries of pre-stored designmodules. Once the design for a semiconductor circuit has been completed,the resultant design, in a standardized electronic format (e.g., Opus,GDSII, or the like) may be transmitted to a semiconductor fabricationfacility or “fab” for fabrication.

The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary andnon-limiting examples a full and informative description of theinvention. However, various modifications and adaptations may becomeapparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoingdescription, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings andthe appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of theteachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of thenon-limiting and exemplary embodiments of this invention.

Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of thisinvention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use ofother features. As such, the foregoing description should be consideredas merely illustrative of the principles, teachings and exemplaryembodiments of this invention, and not in limitation thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: detecting an occurrence of aparticular type of measurement event for a secondary component carrierthat is used for communication with a second network access node, wheredetecting is performed by an apparatus while the apparatus is incommunication with a first network access node via a primary componentcarrier; in response to detection of the particular type of measurementevent, generating a measurement report for the secondary componentcarrier; and sending the measurement report from the apparatus to thefirst network access node.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe primary component carrier and the secondary component carrier aresuitable for use by the apparatus in conjunction with carrieraggregation.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the particulartype of measurement event comprises at least one of event A1 ‘Servingbecomes better than threshold’, event A2 ‘Serving becomes worse thanthreshold’ and event A4 ‘neighbour becomes better than threshold’. 4.The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: in response to theparticular type of measurement event comprising event A4 ‘neighbourbecomes better than threshold’, the network access node havingpreviously attempted to activate the secondary component carrier andapparatus requirements being according to a de-activated secondarycomponent carrier, having the apparatus requirements for the secondarycomponent carrier autonomously follow requirements of an activatedsecondary component carrier.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1,further comprising: where the secondary component carrier is out of acoverage area and where a measurement is made according to ade-activated secondary component carrier, inhibiting sending of achannel quality indicator report to the network access node, or sendinga predetermined channel quality indicator report that indicates a low orzero channel quality.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein themethod is performed as a result of execution of computer programinstructions, stored in a computer-readable memory medium, by at leastone data processor of a user equipment.
 7. An apparatus comprising: atleast one processor; and at least one memory including computer programcode, the at least one memory and the computer program code configuredto, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to, at least:detect an occurrence of a particular type of measurement event for asecondary component carrier that is used for communication with a secondnetwork access node, where detecting is performed by an apparatus whilethe apparatus is in communication with a first network access node via aprimary component carrier; in response to detection of the particulartype of measurement event, generate a measurement report for thesecondary component carrier; and send the measurement report from theapparatus to the first network access node.
 8. The apparatus as claimedin claim 7, wherein the primary component carrier and the secondarycomponent carrier are suitable for use by the apparatus in conjunctionwith carrier aggregation.
 9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7,wherein the particular type of measurement event comprises at least oneof event A1 ‘Serving becomes better than threshold’, event A2 ‘Servingbecomes worse than threshold’ and event A4 ‘neighbour becomes betterthan threshold’.
 10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the atleast one processor and the at least one memory are further configuredto cause the apparatus at least to: in response to the particular typeof measurement event comprising event A4 ‘neighbour becomes better thanthreshold’, the network access node having previously attempted toactivate the secondary component carrier and apparatus requirementsbeing according to a de-activated secondary component carrier, have theapparatus requirements for the secondary component carrier autonomouslyfollow requirements of an activated secondary component carrier.
 11. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one processor andthe at least one memory are further configured to cause the apparatus atleast to: where the secondary component carrier is out of a coveragearea and where a measurement is made according to a de-activatedsecondary component carrier, inhibit sending of a channel qualityindicator report to the network access node, or send a predeterminedchannel quality indicator report that indicates a low or zero channelquality.
 12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the secondarycomponent carrier comprises a de-activated secondary component carrier,wherein measurement requirements for the de-activated secondarycomponent carrier are at least in part based on whether channel qualityindicator resources have been assigned to the de-activated secondarycomponent carrier by the network access node, and wherein a presence ofassigned channel quality indicator resources is considered as anindication whether to wait for the network access node to send anactivation command to begin sending channel quality indicator reportsfor the secondary component carrier, or to autonomously begin sendingchannel quality indicator reports.
 13. The apparatus as claimed in claim7, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory arefurther configured to cause the apparatus at least to: send a reportrequested by the network access node, the report containing informationof which secondary component carriers are measurable.
 14. The apparatusas claimed in claim 7, wherein the network access node is constrained toonly activate secondary component carriers that are detectable by theuser equipment.
 15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein theapparatus comprises a mobile phone or a user equipment.